No Tubes In Heaven

I like telling people that I went to school with Bob Barker. Not the famous game show host but my good friend whom I have shared ups and downs with over four decades. Recently, Bob and his wife Jo have been visiting us here on the Oregon Coast. Bob as he explained to my five year old grandson, Payden, who was curious about the oxygen tubing attached to Bob, has lungs that just don’t work well. Payden who never met a situation he couldn’t explain then informed Bob that in heaven he wouldn’t have any tubes because God would make it all better and he would breathe just fine there. Bob affirmed this blessed forecast by approving Payden’s declaration with a resounding, “Yahoo!” Well, as resounding as Bob’s failing lungs allow him. I think Bob and Payden remind us that everybody believes in heaven… and in hell.
You see we all want the wrongs to be righted… the infirmed to be well… the evil and insolent to be punished. People talk about the delightful with the label heavenly and the painful and sorrowful as hellish. This isn’t about theology or ornate charts delineating the details of the afterlife. This is the visceral reality of every beating heart that longs for good to prevail and evil to be banished. A five year old (even as precocious as Payden) can see that the Bobs of the world shouldn’t have to suffer forever. And Payden in his desire to authenticate faith by assuring all of its certain future speaks for us all… we want life that is eternal life. Not life that last forever but life that is heavenly… life that rids itself of the enemy death that has harmed the universe and imprisoned mankind.
The irony of all this is that in a sense sin and its effects have been the best advocates for stirring mankind to long for heaven and fear hell. A fallen world according to the apostle Paul longs for the redemption of mankind (Romans 8:19-21). Eternity, as Solomon says, has been set in our hearts so we will reach after God (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Every soul coming into this world has the spark of the light that makes sense out of the nonsense (John 1:9). Even five year olds know that life should be better and that something greater… that is someone greater can and will make it better. Heaven is not just wishful thinking but an innate reality that good will triumph over evil… wrongs will be righted… and heaven will remove all the messy tubing and failing lungs! O, how heavenly for all us Bobs! -DAN

Kites

The sky was full of them… big ones, little ones, acrobatic ones, animal shaped ones, geometric wonders soaring, hovering and filling the sky with a kaleidoscopic display of color and numinous joy. The recent kite festival was truly festive and a picturesque moment that not only kept cameras clicking but eyes heavenward. Kite is word borrowed from birds of prey that captures not only the sense of flight but a glimpse into the history of these ancient tools and toys. No one is quite sure of their origin whether the Pacific islands or China but it is agreed that their original use was practical. In the islands they were used for fishing or for entreating the gods. In China they served as aids to military endeavors and even for flight behind enemy lines. Even in our own history we remember Benjamin Franklin’s experiment with electricity. However, in all cultures eventually kites were for fun and sport… toys for big and small. And when celebrated the sky becomes a canvas of color and rhythmic motion sparkling with creative energy that harnesses the wind and the human spirit it is tethered to on the ground. At once it is childhood revisited and an armada of skilled aerial puppeteers delighting the audience with tales of adventure and memories of paper, sticks and string.
As I viewed the sky in all its dramatic beauty I thought to myself as I often do when awed by an exceptional sunset or postcard view… “What will it be like when Jesus returns and fills the sky with trumpeting angels and the undeniable display of his presence? Will it be a scene of indescribable beauty or will we cover our eyes blinded by both its brilliance and struck with terror by its power and magnitude? Or will we just simply be consumed with joy and surprise so that we fall down and worship the King’s return?” I don’t expect to have an answer but I’m sure that hot air balloons, kite festivals, the Blue Angels soaring over stadiums and the like are no match to that glorious day. But they are a good reminder that we are connected to the skies… that there is a world beyond. Such reminders reconnect us to the reality that we are more than citizens of earth but that we love looking to the skies because within us is a longing to know the divine and express our spirituality.
So, if you could create a kite that would visually express your connection to the divine… what would it look like? Would it simply be a cross embraced with a heart? Or would it be a tapestry of your hopes and dreams? Or possibly it would be a great banner displaying your family history and your loyalty to the kingdom of God? What would your kite look like? Or maybe the best way to look at it is what a joyous scene it will be when we like kites soar to meet Jesus in the air when he comes again! “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).” -DAN

Variety

My favorite question that my wife asks me is, “How do you spell…?” It’s my favorite because I’ll never be wrong because the answer is always correct because it is how “I” spell the word! It bears the McQuiddy twist, the Danny Earl nuance… the unique stamp of me. It’s a lot like spring time. Everywhere you look there is a colorful explosion of Scotch broom yellow leading the way to a Jackson Pollack canvas of wildflowers along paths and hillsides. On every horizon your eyes are treated with vibrant colors and diversity proclaiming the wonders of the Creator! God, like an artist signing His work, stamps each creation with uniqueness. Solomon surmises… “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end (Ecclesiastes 3:11).”
So, if God so loves diversity and variety… why does man continue to fight against it, demanding that unity is achieved by uniformity and beauty judged by standards? When one embraces that variety is more than just individual differences but rather is the true nature of unity… then, it becomes clear to one where they fit in. They develop their gifts instead of envying the gifts of others. They hone their skills in support of the giftedness of others. They discover that in connectedness is strength of diversity that can never be found in a cookie cutter world that demands sameness and uniformity. Suddenly, one celebrates diversity and learns to appreciate those who are not like him and yet are very much like him. One begins to see the world as God sees the world.
Now, the cynic may rightfully protest that unity cannot exist in a world where there are no standards or mutual concessions that binds all to an agreed standard. Otherwise, it is anarchy. If diversity is the rule of the day then what happens to law, order, standards and most importantly the challenge to excellence. There is no benchmark or goal to achieve… just everyone celebrated for the way they spell the word. They are fooled into believing their uniqueness equals success. Well, yes the cynic could propose such but he would be myopic in his view of excellence and success. And more importantly he would be fooled into believing that success was when everyone looked like him. Success is when the symphony of diversity creates a harmony that enriches everyone. One note may warn of impending danger but a melody surrounded in harmony is the true music of life. Diversity is God’s reminder that something greater than all of us conducts the orchestra and creates the music. Viva la difference! -DAN

Constructive Criticism

Successful and mature individuals are more than happy to receive constructive criticism… at least that’s what I’ve been told. Now, don’t get me wrong I have had and continue to receive criticism that I learn from but I must admit that it always stings a bit! This is not because I think I am perfect and can do no wrong, in fact, I think it is the opposite… my ego is just fragile enough that it is discombobulated with the slightest of nudges from anyone trying to straighten me up. Yes, I know that is pathetic but I don’t think I’m the only one on board the S. S. Pity Me. So, if you can relate to this maybe we can learn a valuable lesson from King David that will give us perspective on how to receive criticism.
One of the lowest points of David’s life is when he had to flee Jerusalem because his son Absalom conspired against him and gained the hearts of the people (2 Samuel 15:13ff.). David leaves the palace exiting, if you will, by the back door slipping out of Jerusalem via the Mount of Olives. Defeated, mournful and now a fugitive David descends down the northeastern slope of the mount. David and his entourage as they are about to enter Bahurim are met by a relative of Saul named Shimei who curses David and his troops while pelting them with stones. Abishai one of David’s captains offers to cut off Shemei’s head to silence his arrogant taunting. Shemei was shouting that David was a man of blood, a scoundrel who stole Saul’s kingdom and now God had avenged Saul with Absalom’s reign. David surprises everyone by telling them to leave him alone and suggesting that maybe God may have told Shimei to curse David! I think there is more to this than a defeated attitude confessing I deserve whatever comes my way… I think David has a perspective on criticism that we should emulate.
First, David is willing to accept that criticism can and may often be generated from God. That is, Shemei is just a conduit for God’s message and thus we must always listen to hear if we can determine the voice of God in the noise of life. Second, David’s humility illustrates the place from which we best receive the benefits of criticism. And lastly, David is really motivated by a greater goal and thus is willing to tolerate the pain of shame and yes, rocks, to get to reach a greater goal. Ironically this takes place in Bahurim which in Hebrew means, “Valiant or brave.” It really does take an act of bravery to accept criticism from ignorance and misplaced zeal.
Maybe, the postscript to this story is just as valuable… Shimei ends up serving David and lives in Jerusalem under the protection of the King but meets his demise at the hand of Solomon when he once again in his arrogance defies the King’s will. Critics don’t often outlive their criticism… “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord (Romans 12:19).” -DAN

Hop

Spring has sprung and Hollywood has met the challenge with its Easter offering of the misfit tales of Fred O’Hare, an unmotivated misfit, who runs into (literally) E.B. the heir to be the Easter Bunny who has escaped Easter Island to find fame and fortune. You can tell by the characters names and location that the movie is Easter basket full of puns and Easter/bunny innuendos. Hold me back if you will from launching into some lofty diatribe that laments the commercialization and secularization of the sacred. I mean I get that bunnies are cute and who doesn’t like a basket full of candy? But what does this all have to do with a national day that recognizes the resurrection of Jesus the Christ? The history of Easter is well publicized and recently because of its connection with the pagan Saxon goddess Eastre (Ostara), many churches have opted to refer to it as Resurrection Sunday. What seems more satisfying (and biblical) is that every Sunday is a Resurrection celebration.
Now about bunnies as symbols… we have to turn to the German settlers of Pennsylvania who brought with them traditions of Oschter Haws, a hare who laid colored eggs for children to find. The connection to this tradition and the mythology of the goddess Ostara who turned her bird into a hare probably has some historic influence. However, no one can say definitively where we got the oddity of a rabbit laying eggs. Suffice it to say that eggs, rabbits, pagan fertility goddesses and the like find their common ground in the reawakening of the earth at spring time. Such a celebration reminds us that after winter’s chilling barren hold there follows rebirth, new life and resurrection. So I guess there is some “Hop” to this tale but I would like to be assured that beyond sugary treats and a hop down the bunny trail that the message of a new living hope might prevail. Peter (the apostle not the cottontail) writes, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade –kept in heaven for you (1 Peter 1:3, 4).”
I must admit that my favorite bunny though is from the movie “Harvey.” This 1950 movie with Jimmy Stewart is a tale about an eccentric middle aged man named Elwood P. Dawd, who has a 6 foot plus invisible friend named Harvey who happens to be a rabbit. Elwood’s sister decides to have Elwood committed but through a comedy of errors ends up committing herself to an asylum. The story culminates in getting things straightened out and a finale where Elwood is about to be given an injection that will forever banish Harvey from his memory. A taxi cab driver reveals to the sister that others who had received the shot turned surly and she decides she rather have the amiable but misguided brother who sees a six foot rabbit. Likewise, I guess I rather put up with the Easter nonsense of “Hop” if it keeps people looking to new life and the ultimate power of resurrection experienced not in rabbit lore but in the truth of the gospel… the good news of the resurrection of Jesus the Christ from the dead! -DAN

The Book of X-Ray

My daughter reported on Facebook that my grandson Padyen had just quoted to her the first five books of the Bible… “Genesis, X-ray, Dennis, Numbers and Deuteronomy.” A good friend of the family responded with tongue in cheek that their favorite book was X-ray. One would assume because of its revealing content and radiant vocabulary. I personally like the book of Dennis… especially the chapter where Mr. Wilson catches him red handed… literally red handed when he got into Mr. Wilson’s red paint. All kidding aside, the two things that I take away from this family lore are: 1) I’m thrilled that my grandson is learning the books of the Bible and 2) These books that he is learning the names of are ancient voices of witness that bear the stamp of inspiration but are reflective of the messenger.
It is that last point that I hope someday that Payden will delight in as he begins to discover not only the names of the books of the Bible but finds himself in the stories of faith. I recently heard someone speak of the first time they found a contradiction in the Bible (they were puzzled by Matthew saying there were two men at the tombs when Mark and Luke said there was only one, Matt.8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39). They finally decided that Matthew was telling it from his perspective and the other two were more interested in the man of the tombs who Jesus cast out the legion of demons. There are four gospels not because they were trying to correct or fill in one another’s stories but because there is an infinite amount of ways to tell the one story! And often it is a matter of seeing it from a different perspective (hence Matthew focuses on parables especially of the kingdom while John many years later gives us the intimate conversations between Jesus and disciples).
A couple of Sundays ago while the youth group from Gresham were conducting services Greg Woods suggested that people ask his wife Dottie about how she broke my collar bone. For some reason that resonated with me in a way I had never entertained before. You see, that’s always been “my” story and suddenly I realized that Dorothy had her version of the same story as well (probably not as painful as my version but an interesting side of the tale as well). Now I’ve said all this to simply say this… my prayer for Payden is that as he grows in knowledge of the Scripture and develops his faith that the story of the Bible becomes “his” story! I know that one of the greatest joys of my life is finding myself alongside Elijah running ahead of the chariots of Ahab and besting a bear with David on the hills of Palestine. I muse myself with poking Peter in the ribs as we joke about how some of the things Paul says are hard to be understood and I achingly weep at the foot of the cross with John and Mary and others. And time and time again I am convicted of my sins and amazed at the magnitude of grace as I listen to the ancient voices of faith tell their stories! -DAN

Anaphora

Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28th of 1963 and for 17 minutes mesmerized an audience of more than 200,000 civil rights advocates who felt more like they were in church than a political rally. Dr. King’s words were not only poetic and weighted with references from the bible to the constitution to Shakespeare but in the cadence and rhetorical style of a Baptist minister King delivered a speech that was voted the most influential speech of the 20th century. The rhetorical device that King employed as he often did is called anaphora (the repeat of a word or phrase that captures the essence of the subject). He reiterated several phrases but the one that captured the heart of many Americans was, “I have a dream!” Much of his dream has come to life and the spirit of his words still stand in testimony against the vestige of injustice and prejudice that remains. If you’ve never heard the speech or it has been awhile take time to listen to his stirring words at www.mlkonline.net/video-i-have-a-dream-speech.
I love the anaphora of “I have a dream!” Whether one is calling the soul of America to rise above the dark torrent of racism and segregation or for Christians to dream for the cause of Christ… the anaphora “to dream” is vital. To keep the dream alive is to reaffirm that life is a journey. Where we are today is not where we will be tomorrow. To dream is to have not only a vision but a confidence in God’s provision and guide. To dream is to open the heart to the imagination of the soul to dare to risk failure while focused on victory. To dream is to view possibility as a door to the future. The church must always be a place for dreamers who long for the kingdom of God to prevail. The church must pioneer the way to spiritual adventures and courageous faith. Yes, the church must have a dream!
I know that the dream is as simple as for all to hear of the saving grace afforded by the blood of Jesus in his atoning sacrifice. However, the fullness of that dream is captured in the many dreams of the body who long for deeper service, worship and fellowship. The dream is as dynamic as those who are willing to bring their hearts and their imaginations to visualize a world illuminated with the light of the gospel and the gentle presence of the Savior. So my dream… my prayer… my hope for us all is to follow our dreams! Now that’s, worth repeating! -DAN

Understanding

On my desk top at work is Byron Pickering’s business card. Byron is a master artist who has given his eyes and heart to painting the sea. On his card set apart from his general information is the statement, “Painting with understanding the ways of the sea.” Byron an insightful and gentle soul has given 30 years to the observation and interpretation of not only the beauty and power of the Great Pacific but to capturing the life energy of the ever changing but never ceasing current of waves that grace the Oregon Coast. His paintings truly reveal that Byron has an understanding of the ways of the sea! You can see his mastery of color and movement at his web site, www.pickeringstudio.com. For fun search Byron’s name on youtube and enjoy a quick glimpse at his master artistry set to music and excerpts of his instruction in teaching what he has come to understand about the sea.
Proverbs 3:13 reads, “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding.” Wisdom and understanding are personified by Solomon as a fair maiden whose beauty and worth are to be sought. Even God in creating all we know… even the formation of sea used Understanding’s fair charms. Understanding then is not only the desired goal of the discerning soul but should always be recognized as divine precedent. That is, we live in a world formed by understanding and wisdom. I’m sure it is much more mysterious and exegetically deeper but John boldly states that Jesus is that logos/word/wisdom/understanding (John 1:1). Thus, the world as we know it (and certainly the sea that covers two thirds of it) are formed by wisdom and understanding. And Jesus is that wisdom. So, I maintain that Byron and many before him have sat reflectively in observation discerning the imprint of the divine and translating it into art. Art is the ultimate expression of our connection to God’s creative Spirit and Wisdom!
So, I say drink in the beauty of such paintings as created by Byron and hear the Word preached and the soul of creation captured in worship and praise to the Creator! Listen to the pictures painted in Sunday’s hymns’ lyrics. Bask in the warmth of the colorful images captured in God’s Word and expounded in sermon. And leave the portals of communion with the desire to proclaim His death until He comes again as you splash the color of your soul across your week. And come to understand the ways of the sea! -DAN

God And Natural Disasters

Headline after headline recently have chronicled earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and the like. The loss of life, devastation to property and the harrowing prospect of nuclear contamination have made some to wonder where God is in such tragic events. How can he allow such chaos and devastation to continue? Where is this God of love when so many are hurting? Truth is… in this world there’s not a moment that goes by that there isn’t some heart wrenching disaster, injustice or evil impaling the lives of individuals, communities and nations. We live in a fallen world where everyone has some misfortune or tragedy come their way. So then, why does God let such continue?
I’m not presumptuous or arrogant enough to tell you that I have an answer to why innocent babies are born with debilitating birth defects or young children’s lives are cut short with cancer or countless other diseases. Nor will I tell you that I know the mind of God and can quote you book, chapter and verse to explain why or how God lets this current of misfortunes continue. What I will tell you is that I have seen God intervene and rescue souls from grave misfortunes and I have also seen him rescue others with the aid of great misfortune. What I feel safe saying in witness to what I have experienced in life is that God is always there. Sometimes his role is deliverer and sometimes his role is comforter. Sometimes God is in the calm and sometimes God is in the storm. What’s most important is that God is there!
But if he is there then why is he all too often silent? Could it be that in his silence he has done his best work? I’m not trying to side step the issue here by pretending that innocent suffering doesn’t exist and that there aren’t legitimate questions. But what I am saying is that God who reveals himself as Father often assumes the parental role. As parents we all have experience how hard it is to let our children learn through their failures, bad judgments and naiveté. Jesus’ story of the prodigal son recorded in Luke 15 paints a picture of a God who allows bad judgment to lead to bad times. However, the father stands in wait scouring the horizon in hopes that tragedy leads to restoration and thus celebration. Rejoicing is over that which was loss can be found and that which was dead can come to life!
Our granddaughter Makaiya was born with Down syndrome. Do I wish she was born whole and healthy like our other grandchildren? You might be surprised at my answer… because it is no. Makaiya is a blessing to us and her parents. Her smile warms me more than any other I can think of. As many Down syndrome kids would like you to know they are not down they are up! Will Makaiya become the first lady president? No, but she will always be first to us and most importantly she is first to God. He watches over her… over us and over a world that he loves and patiently (often silent) waits to redeem and restore. That’s not an answer to innocent suffering it’s just a witness to the love of God I have seen, felt and hold on to in faith. -DAN

Foulweather

My commute into work requires me to traverse Cape Foulweather as I make my way from Newport to Lincoln City. In 1778 Captain James Cook (and no, that’s not Captain James T. Kirk) spied the prominent basalt rock point and because of the inclement weather named it Cape Foulweather. Early on the 500 foot high promontory was used as a modest stagecoach rest between Depot Bay and Newport. In the 1930’s Buck Bradley and his wife Anna built what they initially called the Fairweather Coffee Bar with hopes that people would enjoy watching the breath taking view while they enjoyed a meal. Noticing people were more interested in taking a souvenir home they renamed the place the Lookout gift shop and made their money selling Oregon coast memorabilia. Interesting enough it really was a lookout during WWII when the Coast Guard stationed 6 men to be lookouts in the basement of the gift shop. Though initially the Bradley’s believed their nautical niche to be “Fairweather” the reality of winter time winds that reach 100 mph and consistent unpredictable weather patterns Captain Cook’s appraisal stands… it’s Foulweather.

However, I like the Bradley spirit! Take the foul weathered experiences of life and put a fair weather label on them to enjoy the view while one feasts on the joys of life. High winds may blow and fog may obscure the view but even the storm has beauty. When we first built our beach house in 2004 and were able to visit from time to time I looked forward to being there during and after a storm. I still have many “treasures” that I have gathered from the beach after a storm. Foul weather often drives buried treasure to light… and so it is with life and our spiritual walk. We often discover the treasures of grace after the storms of conflict or mishap. We realize the mettle of our faith when tested so James writes, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance (James 1:2, 3).”

The Bradley spirit also touts that one should be willing to change their vision to fit their reality! If people aren’t going to sit and enjoy a meal with the view then give them pillow cases with “Mother” monogrammed on them (believe it or not that was their biggest seller). When our spiritual journey begins to stagnate and become unproductive we should prayerfully be willing to re-vision our path. I’m not advocating that we become culturally driven by the winds of change but that we build a better sail to navigate the winds of change. We value the goal enough to be new wineskins that stretch to meet the current needs of the kingdom of God. With the “Bradley” spirit we let “the” Spirit continue to do His good work of convicting the world of its sins and leading them to the joy of redemption in Christ! -DAN

Happy

While driving into work recently I noticed that the welcome sign of the Ester Lee motel was obviously in transition… it simply read, “Happy…” I’m sure it was either saying goodbye to a happy birthday, anniversary or similar occasion or getting ready for such. But all it said was… Happy. I was very “happy” to receive that message and under my breath said, “Thank you Linda and Paul for starting my day off so well… I think I will take your advice and be happy today!” And if by this point you haven’t found yourself humming “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” I’d be surprised. Worries set aside a day of happiness is a golden opportunity to not just feel good but to be productive and share the wealth of positive energy. Yes, we all like a “happy” day!

The apostle Paul in a sense leaves a happy sign for the church in Philippi. Well, at least he keeps coming back to the word “rejoice!” The verse that may come to mind for you is in chapter 4 and verse 4 where he exhorts, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” But what follows is the most revealing about the secret of happiness and a life that rejoices. Paul tells the church “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether will-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:11-13).” Happiness is a choice not a result of perfect conditions void of any conflict, stress or consternation. Happy is a place we create with being content because we believe that our strength is in Jesus and nothing else! Because that is so and because we believe that nothing can separate us from the love of God then we are at rest (happy) where ever we might find ourselves.

Paul certainly illustrated with his life the value of this secret to contentment. Remember in Acts 16 when Paul and Silas are thrown into prison? They had been beaten, shackled and cast into an inner cell most certainly bleeding, cold and hungry. But what do they do? They have church and start praying and singing to God! Don’t worry be happy! Happiness wasn’t dependent upon their surroundings (it couldn’t get much worse) but they we filled with praise and joy before the Lord. Their strength wasn’t bolstered by adrenaline but rather by knowing that in their misery was the choice to draw on the Lord’s strength to be happy! So, my sign to you this glorious day and every day is “Happy!” -DAN

The Flip of the Coin

The afterglow of the Super Bowl for most is either a sorrow or joy for the victorious I’m going to Disneyland triumphant or a residual chuckle over the ever hyped commercials. I’m still enamored with the toss of the coin. Not just the possible advantage of winning the toss but who is it that determines which is heads and which is tales. That is, why is the trophy heads and the stadium tails? Maybe they toss a coin to determine which is which? My real point here is that… yes, there are two sides to a coin.
Recently, I listened to N.T. Wright’s lecture at Bristol entitled, “Putting the Gospels Back Together: How We've All misread Our Central Story.” Bishop Tom Wright’s point in this lecture is that we have missed much in the gospels by not connecting kingdom and cross. That is, we have either interpreted the kingdom through the cross or the cross through the kingdom and have not seen that they are two sides of the same coin. Such an interpretation or better yet, understanding of the completed promises of God allows God’s people to embrace the connection of God’s reign on earth as it is in heaven through the resurrected Jesus and the implications of redemption revealed in a cross that anchors a radically new creation in the recipients of eternal life. I would not for a moment pretend to interpret N.T. Wright for any and all but would highly encourage you to go to his web site (http://www.ntwrightpage.com) and listen to the rich and challenging discussion of the connection of cross and kingdom in the gospels.
The food for thought that brother Wright left in my spiritual bread basket forms into the question, “What would the church look like if we embraced both kingdom and cross as two sides of the same coin?” That is, what would the church look like if we talked as much about kingdom citizenship and responsibilities as we do about salvation and accompanying holiness? I think at least one change would be that we spend less time debating what happens in corporate worship and more time contemplating how the kingdom of God can break into a world that is lost! I think we would be more focused on who Jesus must be for the world than who he must be for us. And I think if not moved to action we would at least have our conscience prodding us to be salt to the earth. But possibly the most important change would be that instead of seeing ourselves as guardians of orthodoxy we would truly be more than conquerors through him who loved us! -DAN

The Gospel of Legos

This morning I read in the publication from Agape Villages that Frank Inscore, one of the founding board members of Sierra Children’s Home (now Agape Villages) had passed away. Frank and his wife Charlotte were one time members at the Roseville Church of Christ. Frank knew my Dad and we often shared memories and an occasional lunch. I had not thought of Frank in many years but just seeing a picture of him reminded me the warm spot he silently held in my life. Frank was a “gentle” man and rich with the Spirit of Christ. Heaven is brighter by his presence. Frank got me thinking of how many good brothers and sisters have filled my life that silently lay in my memory but are ever present in my formation.
My kids and now my grandkids are big time fans of legos. I should have bought stock in their corporation because I believe through the years I have kept them financially solvent. Each child has discovered not only the power of their imagination and the development of fine motor skills but a confidence in building. That is, the seeming ruble pile of plastic blocks that sprawl across the floor are perceived not as disaster but as opportunity and foundational for making dreams come true. As each child has matured and gone on to other building adventures in their lives they have left their legos in tubs tucked away in a dark corner of a closet. However, I believe these forgotten friends have been instrumental in building their lives. I call them friends because I have seen their eyes light up when on occasion they have had a chance to dust them off and share them with their children, nephews and nieces. There is a warm spot they silently hold in their lives for these old friends.
Paul in testimony to the gospel tells the church at Rome, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:16, 17).” What the NIV translates “by faith from first to last” is literally in the Greek, “out of faith, into faith.” That is, the gospel is a shared experience… one faith giving to another’s faith the building blocks of life and faith. Some of the pieces are remembered and some are not but all are part what has built our lives. And maybe most importantly… some of those forgotten ones are truly foundational to the structure and stability of our lives! Thanks Frank and so many others who have led me back again and again to the cross that anchors our lives. -DAN

Mercy Triumphs

Scripture says, “because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13)!” The context of James axiom is an expose against favoritism in which he exposes how the rich congregants are treated with special favor while the poor are marginalized and discriminated against. James reminds his audience that true riches are not in material goods but rather in the promised inheritance of the kingdom of God. Such wealth as Jesus taught cannot be stolen, tarnished or perish with time or use. Additionally, the reality was that many who controlled the wealth were enemies of the church slandering the good name of Christ. Brothers and Sisters should therefore have the utmost care for one another and allow mercy to triumph over judgment!
When I was a teenager I had a steady girlfriend that I often walked to class at school. Fueled like most teens with supercharged hormones and with the excuse that my girlfriend was not feeling well, I gave her a rather lingering kiss before she went to class. The teacher saw this school violation and reported it to the principal. We were called to the office and told letters would be sent to our parents the following day. So, we agreed to stay home sick the next day and intercept the letters. I did so. She did not. Her parents called mine and I had to confess to stealing the letter. I braced myself for the wrath of God delivered via my father but instead he put his arm around me and consoled me about the injustice of school rules and then grounded me for my dishonesty in stealing his mail and assured me it was a federal crime. Mercy triumphed over judgment!
Later, I found out that my Dad had been quite the kissing bandit in High School and that obviously tempered his judgment. God’s mercy is predicated on compassion while often man’s mercy is spurned by a realization that we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Our hearts are soften by the reality that failure and sin are the common grounds we all find ourselves cast upon. None of us is willing to cast the first stone. All of us have known the poverty of the soul as well as the riches. We are in this boat together. So, let mercy rule the day and we’ll leave judgment to the one who knows the hearts of men. For the church this is a challenge to be fully aware of how we treat one another as well as strangers. I have no doubt we will slip here and there but I pray that what persists is a loving spirit that favors no one and exalts all! -DAN
P.S. The picture is of my Dad... O, yes -that's a kissing bandit if I ever saw one!

Immersion

I know some ministers who have a log of all the baptisms they have officiated. I don’t know if it revokes my “man of the cloth” card or not but I’ve never logged in, kept records or counted how many hungry souls I have assisted in their new birth. I’m with Paul, “…I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel… (1 Corinthians 1:16, 17).” However, I do remember some significant moments like snapshots in a picture album. I have immersed people into Christ in pools, baptisteries, lakes, bathtubs and now for the first time last Sunday in a baptistery where I stood outside and the candidate inside the water. It was also the first time that I set aside my planned sermon and spent my allotted time giving witness to the beauty and meaning of baptism… unscripted and from the heart. Rob, a recovering addict seemed to take it all in and after being immersed and standing next to George Moore who had been instrumental in leading him to Christ gave one of those memorable witnesses to the beauty and power of baptism. Rob whispered to George before he prayed over him, “I didn’t realize that I would feel so good!”
New life… the hope of the resurrection inaugurated… sins remitted… and heaven rejoicing filled the air of the evening as one and all embraced our new brother in Christ. However, lingering in the back of my mind ever so faintly was the scourge of legalism that has tainted many a celebration of the kingdom. You see, I was assured that there was plenty of water in the baptistery but the one filling it had forgotten to calculate that Rob being slight of build would not displace as much water as some of us more cheese burger endowed souls. So, when I immersed Rob the tip of his nose did not go under the water. I remember as a young preacher baptizing a young girl in the Navarro river and someone shouting from the bank, “She’ll have to be immersed again her hair floated to the top and didn’t go under!” Whether it was the right thing to do or not, I’m not sure, but I shouted back, “She’ll go to heaven bald!” My point is that even though some know that baptism is not about externals their attention to details makes them swallow camels while they strain out gnats (Matthew 23:24).
Now, do I think that Rob is going to heaven without a nose? The answer is as my granddaughter says, “Silly, silly Poppies!” Immersion is not in exactness or by ritual it is as Peter so succinctly writes, “…baptism that now saves you also –not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand –with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him (1 Peter 3:21, 22)” It’s about submission powered by a heart that’s at peace because it knows Jesus is the way, the truth and the life! -DAN

Skyping On The Floor

During this transition of our move from California to Oregon Pam and I have had to have some time apart while she takes care of loose ends in California. I love living in the information age and therefore able to take advantage of Skyping Pam. When I video call Pam, she is often accompanied by Lauryn our soon to be two year old granddaughter who is precocious and strong willed. Lauryn wants to talk to Poppies on the compooter. Lately she has been insistent that the computer be placed on the floor so she can lie down in front of it. I’m not sure if this about comfort or more about having things on her level? I do know that she is quite comfortable with the magic of Poppies being on the compooter to talk to her and though she stays quite mobile during the call she keeps one eye on the screen to see what I’m doing.
I sometimes wish that I could Skype God… you know so he could be on my level and I could keep one eye on him while I wander back and forth in this world. But then I come to my senses and realize that staying in a prayer frame of mind may not be as exciting or fit my comfort zone but ultimately it is a better connection. It’s a clear channel and the only static, discoloring, freeze frame interference comes from my side of the connection. God is always on the line static free and ready to hear what I have to say, feel, question, gripe, praise or repent. His silent but ominous presence keeps me alert to His will and weighing my own faltering ways with what I know He longs for me to discover. My imagination is a better screen for keeping an eye on Him while He keeps an eye on me. And to be honest I guess I still have some worries over that Old Testament thing about if you see God… you die!
As I write this I am filled with anticipation and can’t wait until it’s time to Skype with Pam and her demanding companion. Which, after all, is probably the most important principle that I should carry over into my prayer life? When was the last time any of us were so excited about slipping away somewhere so we could talk to God? Or when was the last time you thought, “I can’t wait to hear what we pray about at worship today!”? The key here is the joy of communicating with those we love. Sometimes I wish I could Skype God… maybe with special lenses that protect you! -DAN

Void

Have you ever felt the grip of emptiness? You know that hollow feeling where a dark void forebodes in the pit of your stomach and you ache with a desire for something to fill you up or brighten your eyes. You feel estranged from the world and even yourself. This is not just depression or a forlorn desire for companionship… it’s lost in space… unraveled… cocooned in one’s own misery! I recently read an article by a friend of mine, Mike Anderson, who has an excellent blog (http://ourplace-makeadifference.blogspot.com) in which he explored how Genesis one parallels the creative and redemptive work of God in our lives. In the beginning God took a world that was void and without form in which the darkness prevailed and gave it form, shape, life and light. Mike noted that God continues to do that with His creation dispelling the empty darkness that often prevails in individuals lives. God takes our troubled waters and divides them with grace and light that frees us to see His will and direction for our life.
Mike got me thinking and wondering as well. Yes, God often takes the horrible messes we find ourselves in and turns them into a witness of His light. And if Genesis one is as much about how God takes the voids of our lives and recreates us in His Son through His Spirit as it is about creation… then maybe it explains one of those “Hey, wait a minute there” moments in Scripture. Did you ever notice in the Genesis account that God first creates light (Genesis 1:3) and divides it from the darkness calling the result night and day. However, it is not until the fourth day of creation that God creates the sun and the moon and the stars (Genesis 1:14-19). God creates light before the physics of light are given form, that is, all that shines and twinkles was created after light was created. “Hey, wait a minute there… How does that work?” On one hand for those of us who love our awesome God the answer is, “Whoa, Dude that’s awesome!” But the other hand beckons with cautious gesture to suggest it is unquestionably a divine mystery but certainly has explanation.
I think Mike is right about Genesis one… it’s as much about the redemptive power of God as it is about the fiat of creation. Light is not bound by physics or scientific delineation but echoes the presence of God in bringing true light and life to man. The psalmist says, “For with you is the fountain of life, in your light we see light (Psalm 36:9).” The apostle John says, “In him was life and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it… the true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world (John 1:4,5,9).” Light, Shekinah, Glory and brightness point to the creator and sustainer of all things. God is and creates light for the life of mankind so we may see and know that He is God! -DAN

Trash

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure… so the saying goes. Maybe another way of stating that principle is to say that trash is a state of mind. The apostle Paul tells the church in Philippi that the pedigree that he once took such great pride in he now considered trash (Philippians 3:7-9). In the process of moving from Sacramento to the Oregon Coast we discovered how much trash we had that well, quite frankly we thought at one time was invaluable treasure. This is not just a matter of how quickly things become outdated (the computer that I’m writing this article with has more memory in RAM than my first computer had on its hard drive)… but is also the product of our capricious nature. That is, we are not about to bring out our bell bottom jeans… well, unless they come back into fashion like our skinny jeans did. And if Justin Bieber thinks he is the first heartthrob with bangs… he can trash that idea.
So, is there some spiritual principle that we can salvage from this collective trash pile of our cluttered lives? It starts with a reminder that we will always treasure something. Jesus sermon on the mounts, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21).” So when we speak of treasure we are identifying what fills our hearts, our minds, and our imaginations. Do you ever watch “Antique Road Show”? I love when someone brings in Aunt Betty’s old doodad that she left them and they find out that at auction it could be worth as much as their house! They choke on their own air and then sputter with wide eyes of disbelief insisting they had no idea and that’s wonderful but they thought it was priceless anyhow because it always reminds them of fond visits to Aunt Betty’s house in the summer. And in unison we all think… “Sure it is. As soon as the cameras are turned off you’re headed to the nearest antique auction you can find!” But wait a minute… maybe this is the spiritual principle.
Value is not in the price tag. Did any of you see your kids or grandkids playing with the boxes your expensive Christmas gift came in? Value is in the affection, or the importance of the beauty that we perceive in what’s before us. Did you ever wonder why the story of the prodigal son begins with what seems like a couple of flakes who spend their time looking for one thing when they have 99 other sheep and 9 other coins? Answer is… treasure. They treasure what is lost and will do what it takes to recover what they value! That’s important for us because it means that even when we get lost and go into “a distant country” God pursues our hearts! O, he doesn’t go after us like mom did and drags us back by our ear… He lets sin scare us with it darkness and drive us to long for His light. How surprising it is to find that God treasures us! How important it is for us to never trash that relationship! And how rich are our lives to be in the grace of God! –DAN

Loved By God

Scripture is the remarkable product of earthen vessels filled with a divinely given treasure that spills over into our imaginations while it leads us to the feet of the Master. It is the malleable souls of the called inspired to write what their hearts were filled with assured that their words were escorted by the Holy Spirit. It is wisdom from above amalgamated with the frailty of a fallen world so that by contrast we might clearly see and turn to the only true light. It is rock. It is fire. It is the Word that was from the beginning that was with God and is God. So when we hold this library of 66 volumes in our hands we should not only long to hear its gentle whisper or resolute commands… we should be still and know that He is God! Such contemplative understanding of Holy Writ does not lead us to make the ancient words idol, tyrant, legal dictate or mysterious coded puzzle discerned only by the elite. It should simply yet unfathomably be seen as a love letter from God!
Paul tells the church at Rome that they are “loved by God (Romans 1:7).” What we sometimes call the little gospel tells us that “God so loved the world (John 3:16).” John in his first epistle reduces it to its most simple and clear affirmation: “God is love (1 John 4:8).” The Decalogue begins with asserting that God is a jealous God and we are to have no other gods before Him. That is, this love that we often relegate to abstract theology or Christian rhetoric is not a distant, better told than experienced affair but rather the passionate pursuit of the God of all creation who loves us like a groom loves his bride (Ephesians 5:31,32). So, when we affirm that we are loved by God it is not only witness to the grace we have received in Jesus but a proclamation of “How GREAT is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God (1 John 3:1)!”
At the time of this writing my wife is in Sacramento while I’m in Newport/Lincoln City… different states but yet the same state of missing each other. Our love bridges the distance but we long to be with each other. I dare say that when Paul alludes to the groaning of all creation (Romans 8:22) over its desire to be freed from a decaying world and transformed into a form suited for eternity, that it’s the same empty feeling when you are separated from loved ones. You long to be in their company. Paul goes on to say the Spirit intercedes in our prayers to bridge the gap. Prayer connects us with God and for a moment we are in fellowship and feel His love. But we will never be fully satisfied until that day we are face to face in the presence of the divine.
When Pam calls I get to talk to our granddaughter Lauryn. She always tells me that she loves me. That fills my heart! My heavenly Father always tells me that He loves me. That fills my heart! And it’s the good news that we all can share! -DAN
P.S. The pic is of the two people who first made the love of God real for me!